Project

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem worldwide. Many bacterial infections are nowadays often difficult to treat due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Infections are particularly problematic if they are associated with biofilms, since the biofilm provides extra protection against antimicrobial compounds. Biofilms are structured communities of bacteria, which are attached to surfaces. Infections typically caused by biofilms are wound-infections and urinary tract infections. The surface-attached biofilms are held together by a slimy matrix of polysaccharides, lipids, DNA and proteins. The matrix protects the bacterial cells and adds to the resistance, making the infection treatment highly problematic. Novel strategies to treat such infections are therefore critical.

The aim of the project DISRUPT is to identify new strategies to treat biofilm-associated infections caused by staphylococci, pneumococci, E. coli and Pseudomonas. Targeting and inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation will reduce the chances of infections, and possibly resensitize the bacteria to existing antibiotics. The aim is to deliver new anti-biofilm strategies and mechanisms to tackle biofilm-associated infections. Furthermore, the project will generate genetic tools, which will be available for researchers worldwide, working to fight these AMR pathogens.

Approaches and techniques

We will be using state-of-the-art genetic technologies (transposon sequncing, CRISPR interference) combined with high-throughput screens (screen for chemicals and microfluidic antibody screens) to identify anti-biofilm agents and mechanims.

Challenge

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem worldwide. Infections caused by for example staphylococci (S. aureus), pneumococci (S. pneumoniae), E. coli and Pseudomonas are nowadays often difficult to treat due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Infections caused by these pathogens are particularly problematic if they are associated with biofilms, since the biofilm provides extra protection against antimicrobial compounds.

Project

The aim of the project DISRUPT is to identify new strategies to treat biofilm-associated infections caused by staphylococci, pneumococci, E. coli and Pseudomonas. Targeting and inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation will reduce the chances of infections, and possibly resensitize the bacteria to existing antibiotics. By using state-of-the-art genetic technologies combined with high-throughput screens, the aim is to deliver new anti-biofilm strategies and mechanisms to tackle biofilm-associated infections. Furthermore, the project will generate genetic tools, which will be available for researchers worldwide, working to fight these AMR pathogens.